The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) welcomed 2,200 race goers for the highlight of summer racing, the Evergreen Turf SDRA Country Championships race day, which featured exceptional racing, sold out hospitality venues and a ‘Party After the Last’ concert.
The Evergreen Turf SDRA Country Championships qualifier saw Villasaurus triumph for Albury trainer Donna Scott and jockey Blaike McDougall, and with Bon Holler finishing 2nd, this gave Donna 2 runners that will compete in the Country Championships final at Royal Randwick on April 4. It was a great result for the Scott stable and Donna’s owners, with both horses now having a shot at the $1m prize money.
Sold-out hospitality venues included the Long Lunch in the Grandview Marquee which raised vital funds for The BrAshA-T Foundation, and awareness for Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare and incurable disease affecting only around 50 patients in Australia today.
The Millar family of Wagga have been affected by the disease and continue to advocate for the foundation. Trent Coholan, a close friend of the Millar family, hosted the 190-person charity luncheon and was thrilled with the outcome of the afternoon.
“The Grandview Marquee Charity Luncheon was an incredible event to be part of, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for The BrAshA-T Foundation. The atmosphere was amazing, and together we raised over $7,500 through an extensive list of donated auction, raffle, and silent auction items.”
The party was kept alive in the Wild West Bundaberg Rum Precinct, which hosted over 500 racegoers, who dusted off their boots and hats for the western themed race day. The trackside location left racegoers front and centre for the ultimate party after the last, with Central West rock band, Ballz n All.
MTC Marketing, Sales and Events Manager, Nicola Baldry, was thrilled with the success of the race day.
“It was great to see over 400 racegoers under the age of 25 enjoying their last O-Week party. The MTC has a fantastic relationship with CSU, and the student run clubs that throw incredible events throughout the year.”
“Entertainment after the last race has become a real highlight for racegoers and Ballz n All took that experience to the next level. It was the perfect way to close the feature summer race day.”
The MTC would like to thank the City of Wagga Wagga and hit93.1 Riverina for their support and are looking forward to the upcoming events which includes the 100 Club Gala Evening on March 6, Kooringal Stud Prelude Day on April 19 and the annual Wagga Gold Cup Carnival on April 30 & May 1.
Please refer to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s (MTC) website for any upcoming race day or event information – https://www.mtcwagga.com.au/
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) will be celebrating a true country showdown this Saturday 28th February featuring the Evergreen Turf SDRA Country Championships Qualifier, fantastic hospitality, and top tier entertainment.
The 7-race card will feature the SDRA Country Championships Qualifier, showcasing some of the region’s best horses and trainers. Albury trainer Kym Davison will have a strong hand in the qualifier, with early favourite Autumn Break ($2.30 into $2.00 with TAB) heading up his charge and 2025 qualifier winner Canny Hell ($7.50 on the third line of betting) returning for another chance to secure a spot in the Country Championships final. Fellow Albury trainer Donna Scott has 5 runners in the qualifier.
Local Wagga trainers, Gary Colvin (2 runners), Darrell Burnet, Doug Gorrel, Scott Spackman and Michael Travers will all have a shot at securing their chance to feature in the Country Championships Final on Saturday 4 April at Royal Randwick, with 1st and 2nd across the line earning places in the final.
Premium trackside offerings will include the Long Lunch in the Grandview Marquee where race goers can enjoy a gourmet lunch, private bar, whilst raising vital funds and awareness for The BrAshA-T Foundation.
The BrAshA-T Foundation supports children and families affected by Ataxia – Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare and incurable disease which has affected Wagga Wagga family, the Millar’s.
After the loss of their son Charlie and recent diagnosis of daughter Zara, Jeff and Carly Millar have found strength and purpose in advocating for a better future for families tackling the same diagnosis.
MTC Chief Executive Officer, Jason Ferrario is honoured to be hosting the charity luncheon with a cause that hits close to home for the Riverina community.
“What Carly and Jeff have endured is unimaginable. We are proud to stand behind this charity and help raise both awareness and essential funds for such an important cause.”
“Thank you to our generous community and to our marquee host, Trent Cohalan, a close friend of the Millar family, for his valued support.”
The MTC is extremely grateful for those members of the community who have donated to the auction items and raffles of the day including TAB, Viewco, Andersens Carpet Wagga, Wagga Wagga Marketplace, Bennett & Barkell, Tooheys, HIDE Steak & Bar, Riverina Co – op & RB Sellars Wagga.
The party will be kept alive in the Wild West Bundaberg Rum Precinct, featuring DJ Dan spinning tunes throughout the day and access to a private bar and amenities. The trackside location positions race goers front and centre to the truck stage which will feature rock band Ballz n All, who will keep the party going after the last, accessible for all GA ticket holders.
MTC Marketing, Sales and Events Manager Nicola Baldry is excited for all the action in the Wild West Bundaberg Rum Precinct.
“We are thrilled to be hosting an interactive Precinct which has attracted CSU Students as the finale of O-Week”
“Patrons will have access to a range of activities during the day including line dancing and prize giveaways, which include a Weber BBQ, $200 Riverina Co-op gift voucher and RB Sellars vouchers.”
“Racegoers are encouraged to stay on course to party with rock band Ballz n All after the last race (5.45pm). We are thankful for RivTurf who have donated the truck stage, and we hope to develop this concept for our larger race days throughout the year.”
Complimentary buses will depart from the Slocum Street exit from 6.00pm taking racegoers downtown until after the completion of the concert. For those wanting to stay on course public bars will be in operation until 7.15pm.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) will be celebrating a true country showdown on Saturday 28th February featuring the Evergreen Turf SDRA Country Championships Qualifier, fantastic hospitality and top tier entertainment.
Premium trackside offerings will include the Long Lunch in the Grandview Marquee including a gourmet lunch, four drink tickets per person as well as raising vital funds and awareness for The BrAshA-T Foundation.
Ataxia – Telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare and incurable disease often described as the worst parts of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. Throw in a dose of cancer and lung disease and you have a general picture of this relentless condition.
Children are born healthy however, from around two years old their balance and coordination deteriorate, often being described as ‘wobbly’ or ‘clumsy’. Most children with A-T require the regular use of a wheelchair before their teenage years and as time progresses, need full-time care.
Children will often have problems reading and speaking but their minds are unaffected. The condition also affects the immune system, leading to frequent chest and lung infections and a high risk of leukaemia and other cancers.
A-T is a rare disease with only around 50 diagnosed patients in Australia, in October 2016, Wagga Wagga couple Jeff and Carly Millar received the devastating news that their two-year-old son, Charlie, had been diagnosed with A-T. Just seven months later, while still grappling with Charlie’s diagnosis, they were shattered to learn that their younger daughter, Zara, also had A-T.
In 2024, Jeff and Carly tragically lost Charlie at the age of 10 to lung disease, after his courageous battle with liver cancer, all stemming from this rare condition.
While Jeff, Carly and Zara continue to endure the unimaginable pain of losing Charlie, they have found strength and purpose in advocating for a better future for other families facing the same diagnosis. The BrAshA-T Foundation is a charity created to raise money to support research into finding a cure and as a means for creating a support network for families dealing with A-T.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club are honoured to be donating a portion of ticket sales to The BrAshA-T Foundation, and a charity auction will take place on the day in the marquee with all the funds from the auction going directly to the foundation.
Purchase a ticket or a table into our Grandview Marquee Charity Luncheon on our SDRA Country Championships Race Day on Saturday 28 February to help support the Millar Family and raise awareness and vital funds for The BrAshA-T Foundation.
Tickets available here: https://www.mtcwagga.com.au/news/event/sdra-country-championships-race-day/
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is excited to announce that race goers will have the opportunity to secure tickets from 10.00am on Friday 30 January into the largest country race meeting in NSW on Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May, gaining access into a festival of racing which will celebrate fine food, high-end fashion, live entertainment, and exceptional racing.
The two-day Carnival will boast more than $1m in prize money with the addition of the Inglis 2YO Challenge which will feature on Friday’s race card.
Off the back of a highly successful 2025 Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, and with increased attendance levels year on year, MTC Chief Executive Officer, Jason Ferrario, is looking forward to an even bigger two-day Carnival in 2026.
“The Wagga Gold Cup is the pinnacle of country racing in NSW, bringing together the best of country and metropolitan racing, entertainment and hospitality. The MTC is committed to providing an affordable and well executed event which, as a team, we are proud to present.”
The Wagga Gold Cup Carnival is expected to attract over 12,000 patrons who will have the opportunity to mingle in General Admission, trackside marquees, Members Lounge, Punters Paddock and the exclusive Tanqueray Cocktail Lounge.
Racegoers are encouraged to pre purchase General Admission tickets online for $25, while entry into the Punters Paddock is $100 and Premium Tanqueray Cocktail Lounge $420. Several premium hospitality options across both days will be available online.
MTC Marketing, Sales and Event Manager Nicola Baldry is looking forward to offering patrons their best value for money as well as a memorable experience.
“The Wagga Gold Cup Carnival is the signature event of our region, supporting our economy and celebrating the best athletes, hospitality, fashion and entertainment.”
The Wagga Gold Cup Carnival continues to inject millions into the local economy with local pubs, clubs, salons, restaurants, boutiques and accommodation facilities all getting involved in the event.
The 2026 Wagga Gold Cup Carnival kicks off on Kooringal Stud Prelude Day, Sunday 19 April, with main feature races Tooheys Town Plate Day on Thursday 30 April and Wagga Gold Cup Day on Friday 1 May.
The MTC will be hosting the SDRA Evergreen Turf Country Championships qualifier on Saturday 28 February, race day information and tickets are now available via the MTC website.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is thrilled to announce the 2026 edition of the $200,000 Inglis Challenge for 2YOs will be run on Wagga Gold Cup Day at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Friday May 1.
Inglis has teamed up with the MTC in a partnership that will see the Challenge run at one of the biggest Country Cup carnivals in Australia, with its $200,000 purse equalling that of the feature Wagga Cup, making it the equal richest race in the club’s history.
The Challenge will be run over 1100m and is open to all Inglis graduates that are paid up to the Inglis Race Series.
Inglis CEO Sebastian Hutch said Inglis is delighted to be partnering with the MTC on what is one of biggest and best attended country race days in Australia.
“The Wagga Gold Cup Carnival is traditionally one of the best supported country carnivals in Australia and for Inglis to have one of our Race Series events as part of Wagga Gold Cup Day is a huge thrill,’’ Hutch said.
“With the Challenge being open to a broader cross section of horses this year, the location of Wagga means that the race is just as accessible for Victorian-based horses as it is for those in New South Wales
“Every year you see horses out of the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival head to Queensland and compete strongly in some of the bigger races up there and the timing of the Challenge in early May provides a great pathway for trainers and owners to race for lucrative juvenile prizemoney or to use the race as a stepping stone to the G1 JJ Atkins in Brisbane and its lead-up races.
“The team at the MTC is known as being one of the most innovative in Australia and is renowned for generating incredible levels of community engagement, which will be exciting for Inglis to be a part of.’’
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario added: “Inglis is one of the most highly respected brands in world racing so to be able to link up with them and host a leg of their lucrative $12m Inglis Race Series at our Wagga Gold Cup Carnival is a massive coup.”
“The $200,000 Inglis Challenge will add another feature race to our already exciting Cup Day program and provide an opportunity for country, provincial and metropolitan trainers to target a 2YO race with huge prizemoney.’’
The Inglis Challenge will also feature the Best Turned Out Award, whereby the strapper of the horse deemed the best presented in the mounting yard pre-race will win $500. The MTC looks forward to the running of the 153rd Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, with over $1m in prize money on offer it is shaping up to be one of the largest Wagga Gold Cup Carnivals yet
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) officially said farewell to Mark Hart, who has concluded his 20-year role at the Club after stepping into the role on 14th June 2005.
During this time, Mark oversaw 19 Wagga Gold Cup Carnivals and established himself as one of Australia’s leading track managers, a richly deserved honor as there is no one more passionate about track management and their role at the MTC.
Throughout his highly successful career, Mark received numerous awards from the Australian Racecourse Manager’s Association, including the prestigious Racecourse Managers’ Award for regional racecourses in 2010, 2015 and 2024 as well as the Country Curators Scholarship in 2012.
MTC Chief Executive Officer Jason Ferrario reflected on Mark’s incredible career.
“Along with a 26-year stint at the Junee Golf Club as a greenkeeper, firstly as an apprentice and then as a superintendent, Mark developed 46 years of turf knowledge, much of which he has passed onto his fortunate co-workers.”
“A man of great passion towards his field of expertise, a loving family man and a bloody great bloke to boot, Mark will be very much missed by everyone at the MTC and within the racing industry”
The MTC honored Mark’s achievements on Tuesday, 9 December with his final race meeting, before his official retirement on Friday, 12 December, where he handed over the reins to Mitch Castles, who has worked alongside Mark for 11 years and is looking forward to following in his footsteps.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the MTC wish Mark Hart a happy and healthy retirement and all the best for his future endeavours.
The MTC welcomed Tradies and enthusiastic race goers to a jam–packed Friday afternoon of racing in honour of Prime7 News reporter Steph Muir, supporting her mission to raise funds and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Spring Racing Carnival atmosphere kicked off at 12.00pm with an eight-race card, featuring both local and visiting horses storming down the course proper which has been meticulously rejuvenated by the MTC Track Manager Mark Hart and his dedicated team.
Race goers created a sea of pink in support of the Raising Hope with Steph charity, with prizes awarded for the Best Dressed in Pink presented after Race 5. The community spirit was inspiring with Bentley Duncan shaving his head in the VIP Pink on the Paddock Precinct, raising awareness and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Steph Muir was overwhelmed by the community spirit and generosity shown throughout the day.
“It was incredible to see the community come together today! I feel so honoured to see so many racegoers grace the MTC in their best pink outfits. The support from Dane, Brad, and the wider team has been fantastic. Working with the MTC has been an absolute breeze, and we hope this marks the start of a wonderful tradition for years to come!”
The party continued into the evening with the MTC hosting a Happy Hour from 4.00pm – 5.00pm with a selection of pink drinks on offer. Aaron Oldaker kept the party going after the last with classic hits outside the Champagne Bar.
The Raising Hope with Steph charity auction commenced after Race 6, raising cruicial funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation whilst well known comedian Wiradjuri Rabbs kept racegoers entertained with a phantom race to close out the afternoon’s entertainment.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is proud that the MTC has partnered with the Raising Hope with Steph team on such an important race day initiative.
The MTC values their partnership with Steph Muir in her Prime7 News role and is always taken by Steph’s enthusiasm for her work. When Steph revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, I knew Steph would attack the treatment head on and with her ever-present positive attitude, which is exactly what she has done. Then when Steph and her partner Dane approached us about a charity event for the Raising Hope with Steph charity, it was a fundraiser that we were very excited to be involved with!’ Steph, Dane, and their team of helpers have been a pleasure to work with.
The MTC is looking forward to the remaining key race dates on the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, including Viewco Xmas Party Race Day on Saturday November 29 and Ted Ryder Cup Day on Wednesday 24 December
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) welcomed over 1,200 race goers though the MTC gates to celebrate the success of its inaugural Can Assist Charity Race Day built by Steel Supplies, bringing the community together for a great day of racing, family fun and fundraising in support of regional cancer patients.
The Spring Racing Carnival atmosphere kicked off at 12.00pm with sponsors enjoying their premium private marquee offerings, as well as raising crucial funds for Can Assist Wagga’s ongoing work.
The day featured seven races, a jam-packed Kids Fun Zone, Charity BBQ and entertainment from two-time Golden Guitar award winner Aleyce Simmonds who entertained crowds throughout the day.
Punters enjoyed live coverage of The Everest and Kosciusko from Royal Randwick on the big screen, with tipping competition keeping punters with one lucky winner receiving $250 and a members race day experience at Royal Randwick.
Lilier Lodge General Manager and Can Assist Wagga representative Richard Moffat, was thrilled with the crowd numbers and success of the day.
“We are thrilled with our first race day in partnership with the MTC! Can Assist Wagga jumped at the opportunity to host the race day as it allows for vital funds and awareness
to be raised for cancer patients in NSW.”
MTC CEO, Jason Ferrario, was also thrilled with the new partnership and what the future brings for the years to come.
“The Can Assist team has been fantastic to work alongside in bringing this day to life. Raising vital funds and awareness for cancer patients is close to many people’s hearts
and a cause we are proud to be aligned with.”
“Following on from the success of the inaugural day, the MTC believes the annual Can Assist Charity Race Day will become an integral part of the MTC’s annual calendar-
from little things big things grow.”
The MTC is looking forward to the remaining key race dates on the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, including Tradies Day & Raising Hope with Steph Race Day on Friday 31 October (raising funds and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation), Viewco Xmas Party Race Day on Saturday November 29 and Ted Ryder Cup Day on Wednesday 24 December.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) welcomed local media this morning to showcase the planned landmark 120-stable complex, which is in its early stages of development.
Situated parallel to the back straight on the Beckwith St side of the racecourse, the new stable complex will provide direct access to the two grass tracks and three sand tracks, and the Club’s new solar-powered trackwork lighting. Once finalised, the facility will serve as a central base for local trainers as well as significantly enhancing the region’s racing infrastructure.
Media and guests were given the first look at the construction site, including the commencement of the storm water catchment and pump station. The critical infrastructure will manage runoff from the site and is an important milestone in the project’s progression.
The initial construction is a financial commitment from the MTC to begin work and ensures the project’s Development Application remains active, allowing the rest of the project to proceed once appropriate funding is received.
The MTC is continuing to seek additional funding to ensure the finalisation of the stable complex project, which will benefit the MTC, local trainers, and also welcome new trainers to the region.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is thrilled with the initial stages of the complex being started and what the project means to the MTC.
“The MTC has over a period of many years, lost over 100 stables to commercial development adjacent to the racecourse. The stable development is a long-term vision that will deliver a modern, purpose-built training facility which is essential for the future of our Club and racing in our region.”
“The stable development project has been in the making for 8 years. Once complete, it will give trainers a permanent position close to the track, ensuring horses have access to state-of-the-art facilities to support peak performance and equine welfare.”
The MTC is actively seeking further funding to complete the project and looks forward to continued work on the project.